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I was impressed this year at one of my fellow colleagues at Georgetown named Francisco Gutierrez, who created an organization that focuses on spreading awareness about issues that undocumented people face in the United States. Through his persistent activism, Georgetown was able to attract four individuals who walked from Florida to Washington D.C. for the passage of the DREAM Act. In short, the DREAM Act aims to provide documentation for undocumented students who are trying to pursue a college degree. When I heard about their struggles, it moved me to tears. It never dawned on me that I took my privilege for granted. I am able to work, receive financial aid, and legally travel anywhere in the United States; some of my friends do not have this privilege. They have to struggle, wonder whether or not they will receive a letter of deportation, or even speak to their family through webcam, whom they have not seen for years, from another country because they were deported.
The four DREAMers from Florida who were at the Georgetown rally spoke about their daily struggles as immigrants. These youth DREAM’ed of an education, and to spread awareness about the injustice in the federal system, they walked from Florida to Washington, D.C. They went to many college campuses and different communities to share their message. Now, you may wonder how this pertains to the LGBT community. Well, one of my favorite quotes says that “injustice for one is injustice for all”. As LGBT individuals, we must acknowledge that there are intersecting issues which affect our community as a whole. Two of the DREAMers from Florida named Juan Rodriguez and Felipe Matos are partners. Not only are they DREAMing for and education, but as Felipe said, “They are DREAMing for a shot at love”. If one looks at the larger picture, it seems quite evident that the LGBT community and the DREAMers are fighting for the same issue: documentation to grant access to benefits.
I am extremely grateful that this year I have been exposed to the plight of undocumented individuals in this country. Whether you are on the fence with the current immigration issues, it is important to recognize that we are all human and deserve a right to education, safety, and liberty. So Congress, it is time to pass the DREAM Act!
Finally, I would also like to take this time to recognize undocumented individuals who are not able to speak out in this country, and it is my privilege to do as such. Please check out these sites for more information
Dream Act Information
http://dreamact.info/
Article on Juan and Felipe
http://www.dreamactivist.org/about/our-stories/queer-undocumented-students-await-dream/juan-and-felipe-love-is-not-illegal/
Dream Walkers Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCsp_2I5L8Q
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by Anatic09
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